Refuge Chamber - MineSAFE Compact Design
The MineSAFE Compact Design Refuge Chamber is designed specifically for tight mining confines, such as single-entry development headings. This small, compact, ultra-portable emergency refuge station is easy to manoeuvre and position around underground mine sites.
The Compact Design (CD) is designed for optimum autonomy. The chamber’s ELVP (extra-low-voltage-portable) control system means it can sit stand-alone for extended periods without requiring connection to mains (mine) power.

MineSAFE Compact Design Refuge Chamber Overview
The MineSAFE Compact Design Refuge Chamber can be taken virtually anywhere, anytime; providing personnel with an emergency safe-refuge alternative in every part of the underground mine.
Personnel situated directly at the working face (e.g. drill operators) run the risk of being trapped behind a fire or other hazard further up the decline. The Compact Design refuge station has been engineered specifically for this type of scenario – providing a place of safe-refuge even in the most remote, inaccessible parts of the mine.
Standard configurations are available based on occupancy – from 4 to 8 people - however, the rescue chamber dimensions and rated occupancy can be custom-engineered to site specifications, without compromising on safety or performance. Special transport configurations include the addition of an IT Hitch or Scoop Frame.
Specifications
Model | Occupancy | Height (m/inch) | Width (m/inch) | Length (m/inch) | Weight (kg/lb) |
MS-CD1-04-ELVP-36 | 4-Person | 4-Person | 2 / 78.7" | 2 / 78.7" | 2200 / 4900 |
MS-CD2-06-ELVP-36 | 6-Person | 2 / 78.7" | 2 / 78.7" | 2.4 / 94.5" | 2350 / 5200 |
MS-CD3-08-ELVP-36 | 8-Person | 2 / 78.7" | 2 / 78.7" | 3 / 118" | 2900 / 6400 |
- Aura-FX Fixed Gas Monitor
- 5mm Steel Plate Construction
- Blast Rating: 5psi
- CO & CO2 Scrubbing
- Breathable Air (O2) Supply
- Air Conditioning
- 36hrs UPS Battery with Option to Upgrade
- Viewing Porthole
- Pre-packaged Chemical Cartridges
- ELVP (Extra-Low-Voltage-Portable) Controller
- Ergonomically Designed Seating
- GuardIAN Refuge Chamber Monitoring
- Fully Flushing, Pressurised Airlock
- IT Hitch
- Scoop Frame
- Blast Rating Upgrade
- Blast Shield Protection
- Step Down Transformer
- Receptacle Plug
- Satellite UPS System
- Duration Upgrade
- First Aid Kit
- Carbon Monoxide Safety-Off-System
- Positive Pressure Maintenance System
- Automated Oxygen Delivery System
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MineSAFE Compact Design 4-Person Refuge ChamberMS-CD1-04-ELVP-36
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MineSAFE Compact Design 6-Person Refuge ChamberMS-CD2-06-ELVP-36
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MineSAFE Compact Design 8-Person Refuge ChamberMS-CD3-08-ELVP-36
Chamber Exterior – Front
The strobe lighting, warning siren and reflective signage alert passers-by to the chamber’s location, whilst the rotating door handles provide simple, straight forward access to the safety of the interior.
Chamber Interior
The MineSAFE Compact Design uses active chemicals and MineARC's ELVP (extra-low-voltage-portable) Scrubbing System to ‘scrub’ the build up of harmful CO2 (carbon dioxide) and CO (carbon monoxide) from the air inside the refuge chamber.
Chamber Exterior – Rear
The Compact Design's unique dual UPS battery bank configuration enables the chamber to sit standalone from mains power for extended durations. When on ‘standby’ the refuge chamber’s external strobe lights and siren will still operate, alerting personnel to the refuge chamber’s position. When the chamber is used in an emergency situation, the ‘primary’ battery bank is activated; powering the refuge chamber’s entire life support systems.
Also at the rear of the chamber is the Compressed Air Management System (CAMS), which allows regulated compressed air into the refuge chamber when the pressure inside drops below 200Pa. This process optimises mine air usage and guarantees against over-pressurisation of the refuge chamber. CAMS' gas toxicity monitor automatically diverts compressed air if oxygen levels in the airline fall below a set level (18% oxygen in free air), signifying air contamination. Additionally, the incorporated flood protection valve automatically shuts down compressed air to avoid catastrophic and costly chamber damage in the event of water ingress.
Comparison Table
Capacity
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Advanced Digital Control System
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iVAN ![]() |
Aura-FX Gas monitoring | Modular construction | Powerless Portable System ![]() |
Air-conditioning | 36hrs Battery Backup | 5psi Blast Rating ![]() |
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8-30 | ||||||||
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4-8 | ||||||||
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8-30 | ||||||||
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8-26 | ||||||||
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12-32 | ||||||||
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30-500 |